Archive · 5 Jan 2026
Kerala Vigilance Recommends CBI Probe Against NGO and Satheesan
The Kerala Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) has recommended a CBI probe against V D Satheesan, the Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, and Ameer Ahmed, the chairman of the Manappattu Foundation.
They are accused of violating the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) by collecting and transferring foreign funds for a rehabilitation project called 'Punarjani'.
The funds, amounting to Rs 1.22 crore, were collected from various countries and transferred to accounts in Kerala.
The Vigilance report states that the NGO failed to maintain proper records of the foreign funds received, which is a violation of FCRA rules.
Satheesan claims he has not violated any laws and is confident the case will not stand legal scrutiny.
The Congress party supports him, alleging that the probe is politically motivated ahead of elections.
Kerala Vigilance recommends CBI probe against V D Satheesan and Ameer Ahmed for alleged FCRA violations in the 'Punarjani' project.
Funds of Rs 1.22 crore (GBP 22,500) were collected from various countries and transferred to Kerala accounts.
The Manappattu Foundation failed to maintain proper records of the foreign funds received, violating FCRA rules.
Satheesan claims he will fight the case legally and politically, asserting he has not violated any laws.
The Congress party supports Satheesan, alleging the probe is politically motivated ahead of elections.
- Who
- V D Satheesan (Leader of Opposition in Kerala Assembly) and Ameer Ahmed (Chairman and CEO of Manappattu Foundation)
- What
- Alleged FCRA violations in collecting and transferring foreign funds for the 'Punarjani' rehabilitation project
- When
- January 4, 2026 (recommendation submitted), 2018-2022 (project period)
- Where
- Kerala, India
- Why
- Alleged violations of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) and financial irregularities
Government and Vigilance
Satheesan and Congress Party
Motivation Behind the Probe
Government and Vigilance
The government and Vigilance allege that Satheesan and the NGO violated FCRA norms and engaged in financial irregularities.
Satheesan and Congress Party
Satheesan and the Congress party claim the probe is politically motivated ahead of elections.
Legitimacy of the Funds Collection
Government and Vigilance
The Vigilance report states that the NGO failed to maintain proper records and documents for the foreign funds received, violating FCRA rules.
Satheesan and Congress Party
Satheesan maintains that he has not violated any laws and is confident the case will not stand legal scrutiny.
- Individuals Involved
- V D Satheesan (Leader of Opposition in Kerala Assembly), Ameer Ahmed (Chairman and CEO of Manappattu Foundation)
- Alleged Violation
- Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA)
- Amount Involved
- Rs 1.22 crore (GBP 22,500)
- Foundation Involved
- Manappattu Foundation
- NGO Involved
- Midland International Aid Trust (MIAT)
- Date of Recommendation
- January 4, 2026
- Project Name
- Punarjani
- Period of Project
- 2018 to 2022
Sources
Kerala Vigilance recommends CBI probe against LoP Satheesan over FCRA violation
Kerala Vigilance recommends CBI probe against LoP Satheesan over FCRA violation
Vigilance recommends CBI probe against VD Satheesan over alleged foreign funding in ‘Punarjani’ project
FCRA violation: After Cong leader, Vigilance recommends CBI probe against NGO
